Acupuncture for Insomnia (Depression, Anxiety)
Depression and anxiety are common consequences of insomnia and add stress to an already highly stressful situation. Acupuncture assists the flow of the body’s energy (qi), alleviating stress and helping to restore balance. In doing this, acupuncture not only reduces depression and anxiety but can alleviate the insomnia itself.
Here are some insomnia tips that are safe, natural and have a good track record of success:
Natural Cure for Insomnia: Herbs
There are many natural remedies for insomnia which do not come with negative side effects. Herbs, for example, are a safe remedy for insomnia and do not have side effects if they are used appropriately. Insomnia can be relieved with herbal teas, infusions and baths. For an agitated nervous system, hops and valerian are commonly recommended to provide relaxation and promote a natural sleep. Passionflower, kava and chamomile are also known for their stress relieving properties and they will help you relax into a good night’s sleep.
Sometimes a nutritional deficiency is the cause of insomnia. Herbs which contain calcium, magnesium and vitamin B will help to make up common deficits. Nettle, oatstraw and lemon balm taken as an infusion will supply calcium and magnesium. Using these home remedies, insomnia has been overcome by even long-term sufferers.
Vitamins and Minerals for Insomnia
Apart from using herbs as nutritional supplements, vitamin and mineral therapy can directly provide relief for insomnia caused by nutritional deficiencies. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the regulation of the nervous system. If you are deficient in calcium and magnesium and Vitamin B6 insomnia can result. It is therefore very important to ensure that you are eating a proper diet and if necessary, taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
If your insomnia is caused by stress, Vitamin B supplementation can be helpful. The B group vitamins ease anxiety and help to promote natural sleep. Vitamin B is found in brewers yeast, milk, eggs, nuts and vegetables high in protein. In particular, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supports the production of red blood cells and is found in whole grains, eggs and fortified cereals and breads. Combined with 5-HTP, Vitamin B6 is one of the most effective tips to cure insomnia.
A deficiency in Vitamin A can cause stress and body aches which can trigger insomnia. To ensure an adequate intake of Vitamin A, make sure you eat plenty of green and yellow fruits and vegetables.
Magnesium and calcium are minerals that help to relax your muscles. If you take them one hour before bed, they can help you to relax and fall asleep. Copper deficiency in pre-menopausal women can also cause insomnia. If your insomnia is caused by this deficiency, taking one milligram of copper daily could be enough to heal your sleeplessness and allow you natural, good quality sleep. The best way to ingest adequate copper is by eating a healthy diet including seeds, nuts, mushroom, dried beans and certain sea foods. However, if you cannot be sure of including it in your diet, you will need to take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement which includes at least one milligram of copper.
Iron is also important to good sleep. Insomnia can be caused by inadequate intake of iron. Non-menstruating women and men need to take ten milligrams of organic iron daily and menstruating women should take 15 milligrams.
Glyconutrients for Insomnia
Glyconutrients refer to mixtures of polysaccharides derived from plant extracts, sugars or starch which have been found useful in the treatment of many disorders including insomnia. It has been found that taking glyconutrients can alleviate anxiety and quickly reverse chronic insomnia.
Hypnosis for Insomnia
Self hypnosis CDs that aid in insomnia can be excellent aids in the treatment of insomnia. These CDs lower the brainwaves to the alpha state. In this state, the mind is very susceptible to suggestion and easily reprogrammed. It is also very relaxed and it is common to fall asleep during a session. This alone, can be enough to solve the insomnia problem.
Other Therapies for Insomnia
Other natural cures for insomnia include energy therapies such as acupressure, kinesiology, reiki and bioelectromagnetic therapies. Massage and aromatherapy are also complementary, natural therapies which can assist insomnia as is hypnosis.
There are many safe, natural cures for insomnia which can easily and inexpensively be used to overcome this disorder. Be persistent. If one approach doesn’t work for you, try another. Stick to a regular bed time routine. Make sure your bedroom is well aired and well ordered. Reduce stress in your life and make sure you are giving your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. Do these things, and you will be able to say goodnight to insomnia.